Receivers analysis: Jalen Saunders played outside receiver at Fresno State, and said last month that he’d “love” to play there next season.

“Hopefully, but that’s Coach Jay’s decision,” Saunders said of OU assistant Jay Norvell. “We’ll see. … I’ve been working some outside, but not too much like that right now.”

Whether he does or not, Oklahoma has plenty of good depth both at both the inside and outside receiver positions. Sterling Shepard played very well last season as a true freshman, and will only see his playing time increase.

Durron Neal and Trey Metoyer are each expected to make leaps in their sophomore seasons, and could be outside threats. Also, don’t forget senior Lacoltan Bester. The junior-college transfer has impressed coaches this spring.

Bester signed with Oklahoma in May, when the Sooners’ receiver corps looked thin, but the emergence of Saunders and Justin Brown meant a decreased role for Bester.

“Both of those guys came into the fold, both quality college players that had started and really produced,” Norvell said of Brown and Saunders. “That kind of changed Bester’s role or he would have played a lot more. Now with Justin leaving and Kenny leaving, Lacoltan’s really getting a chance and he’s just one of those guys that’s bouncing around every day because it’s like gameday.”

Reynolds spent all of last season suspended, but was OU’s third-leading receiver in 2011, catching 41 passes for 715 yards and five touchdowns.

“It’s day-to day with Jaz,” Norvell said. “He’s had a really good spring and he’s been very accountable.”

1Show / Hide Archive Comments

The following comments are archived from the original publication of this post

Little Redon Apr 11, 2013 @ 9:41 pm

Should be a strong corp. of receivers. Shepard and Saunders I belive will be the main go to guys. Metroyer has dissappointed the last two years from not making the grades in what was to be his first year and then not performing well in games. Other players sound good but they are not tested except for Reynolds who has shown to be a performer also. The question is how well they work with whoever becomes the QB. I would say the receiver corp. was a little strong last year with Stills and Brown plus Landry was very experienced and had loads of throws to those two.

MORE FROM NEWSOK

by Jason Kersey

OU Sports Reporter

Jason Kersey became The Oklahoman's OU football beat writer in May 2012 after a year covering high school sports and OSU recruiting. Before joining the newspaper in November 2006 as a part-time results clerk, he covered high school football for...